Weather, Trump and more: Kyle Larson's Indy 500-NASCAR double attempt faces obstacles

Kyle Larson will attempt the Double on Sunday, driving in the IndyCar Series' Indianapolis 500 followed by NASCAR Cup's Coca-Cola 600. He qualified fifth for the Indy 500, the best among this year's rookies.

The Indy 500 green flag is scheduled for 12:45 p.m. ET, and typically takes about 3 hours. The Coca-Cola 600 is scheduled for 6 p.m., and Larson will have to leave Indianapolis Motor Speedway by about 4:15 p.m. to reach Charlotte in time for the NASCAR green flag.

Larson, 31, is in his 12th year of NASCAR Cup racing and is the 2024 points leader. He won the 2021 series championship and already has two race wins this year, giving him 25 career victories. The Indy 500 would be his first IndyCar Series race.

Indy 500 race day weather

Sunday's forecast for Indianapolis is iffy at best. Rain is possible late morning to early afternoon, with potential for severe thunderstorms in the afternoon. Larson's top responsibility is to NASCAR, so if weather delays the Indy 500, he might head to Charlotte before a resolution of Indy's status.

"We know we need to be at Charlotte for the points, and we're just going to let it play out then we'll make that decision Sunday," said Rick Hendrick, Larson's NASCAR team owner. "It'd be very tough, be very disappointing because of all the effort everyone has put in ... He's in such a good position, it would be extremely hard."

If the Indy 500 is postponed Sunday, he can return whenever the race is run. Monday's forecast is for lingering rain early and temperatures in the 70s.

Like everyone else, Larson will just await the "game-time decision" on whether to stay at Indy case of inclement weather.

Who can replace Kyle Larson at the Indy 500?

If Larson leaves Indy and the 500 is still run, who steps in? There had been talk that 2013 race champ Tony Kanaan, who has been advising Larson for the Arrow McLaren team at IMS, would take a refresher course and be available. However, that didn't happen.

The only available driver who has competed at IMS this month is 19-year-old rookie Nolan Siegel, who failed to make the race for Dale Coyne Racing. It's unclear if Siegel has been under consideration.

Donald Trump could affect Kyle Larson in NASCAR

Larson requires a charter flight from Indianapolis to Charlotte, but there could be extra security and logistical challenges in North Carolina if former President Donald Trump attends the NASCAR race.

What teams does Kyle Larson drive for?

Larson drives the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports in NASCAR Cup. He will drive the No. 17 Chevrolet for Arrow McLaren and Hendrick at Indianapolis.

Kyle Larson news from IndyStar

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Drivers who have driven the Indy 500/NASCAR Double

(with year, driver, Indy 500 finish, Coca-Cola 600 finish)

More: Which drivers have raced the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 double?

1994: John Andretti (10th, 36th)

1997: Robby Gordon (29th, 41st)*

1999: Tony Stewart (9th, 4th)

2000: Robby Gordon (6th, 35th)

2001: Tony Stewart (6th, 3rd)

2002: Robby Gordon (8th, 16th)

2003: Robby Gordon (22nd, 17th)

2004: Robby Gordon (29th, 20th)

2014: Kurt Busch (6th, 40th)

*-Indy 500 was rained out and run the following day; Davy Jones attempted the Double in 1995, but failed to qualify for the Coca-Cola 600

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Kyle Larson Indy 500 NASCAR Double schedule in 2024